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Policy for Safe Scaffold Erection and Use
Safe scaffold erection and use should begin by developing policy and work rules. Policy and work rules should
concentrate on:
l sound design
l selecting the right scaffold for the job
l assigning personnel
l training
l fall protection
l guidelines for proper erection
l guidelines for use
l guidelines for alteration and dismantling
l inspections
l maintenance and storage
Sources of information for policy development and work rules include OSHA and ANSI standards, scaffold trade asso-ciations,
scaffolding suppliers, and safety and engineering consultation services.
Sound Design
The scaffold should be capable of supporting its own weight and at least four times the maximum intended load to be
applied or transmitted to the scaffold and components. Suspension ropes should be capable of supporting six times the
maximum intended load. Guardrails should be able to withstand at least 200 pounds of force on the top rail and 100
pounds on the midrail. On complex systems, the services of an engineer may be needed to determine the loads at particu-lar
points.
Selecting the Right Scaffold for the Job
You cannot contract away the responsibility for selecting the right scaffold for your job. But if you do contract for
scaffolding:
l Choose a scaffold supplier, rental agency and/or erector who is thoroughly knowledgeable about the equipment
needed and its safe use.
l Obtain the owner’s manual prepared by the scaffolding manufacturer, which states equipment limitations, special
warnings, intended use and maintenance requirements.
If you are to select your own scaffold, begin by reviewing the written requirements (blueprints, work orders, etc.) to
determine where scaffolds should be used and the type of scaffolding needed. Make sure that the scaffolds meet all gov-ernment
and voluntary requirements. Consider that scaffolds are generally rated light, medium and heavy duty. Light duty
scaffolds can support a limited number of employees and hand tools. Medium duty scaffolds must be capable of safely
holding workers, hand tools and the weight of construction materials being installed. Heavy duty scaffolds are needed
when the scaffold must sustain workers, tools and the weight of stored materials.
Account for any special features of the building structure in relationship to the scaffold, including distinctive site con-ditions.
Factor these considerations into your policy:
l experience of erection and working personnel
l length and kind of work tasks to be performed
l weight of loads to be supported
l hazards to people working on and near the scaffolding
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2
Policy for Safe Scaffold Erection and Use
Safe scaffold erection and use should begin by developing policy and work rules. Policy and work rules should
concentrate on:
l sound design
l selecting the right scaffold for the job
l assigning personnel
l training
l fall protection
l guidelines for proper erection
l guidelines for use
l guidelines for alteration and dismantling
l inspections
l maintenance and storage
Sources of information for policy development and work rules include OSHA and ANSI standards, scaffold trade asso-ciations,
scaffolding suppliers, and safety and engineering consultation services.
Sound Design
The scaffold should be capable of supporting its own weight and at least four times the maximum intended load to be
applied or transmitted to the scaffold and components. Suspension ropes should be capable of supporting six times the
maximum intended load. Guardrails should be able to withstand at least 200 pounds of force on the top rail and 100
pounds on the midrail. On complex systems, the services of an engineer may be needed to determine the loads at particu-lar
points.
Selecting the Right Scaffold for the Job
You cannot contract away the responsibility for selecting the right scaffold for your job. But if you do contract for
scaffolding:
l Choose a scaffold supplier, rental agency and/or erector who is thoroughly knowledgeable about the equipment
needed and its safe use.
l Obtain the owner’s manual prepared by the scaffolding manufacturer, which states equipment limitations, special
warnings, intended use and maintenance requirements.
If you are to select your own scaffold, begin by reviewing the written requirements (blueprints, work orders, etc.) to
determine where scaffolds should be used and the type of scaffolding needed. Make sure that the scaffolds meet all gov-ernment
and voluntary requirements. Consider that scaffolds are generally rated light, medium and heavy duty. Light duty
scaffolds can support a limited number of employees and hand tools. Medium duty scaffolds must be capable of safely
holding workers, hand tools and the weight of construction materials being installed. Heavy duty scaffolds are needed
when the scaffold must sustain workers, tools and the weight of stored materials.
Account for any special features of the building structure in relationship to the scaffold, including distinctive site con-ditions.
Factor these considerations into your policy:
l experience of erection and working personnel
l length and kind of work tasks to be performed
l weight of loads to be supported
l hazards to people working on and near the scaffolding
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